Military aircraft shadow Gaza aid Flotilla for second time this week

The Maghreb branch of the Global Sumud Flotilla, en route to Gaza with humanitarian aid, has reported a second encounter with military aircraft this week. According to the group, two unidentified planes flew at low altitude over its vessels while they were sailing in Greek territorial waters.

The flotilla said similar incidents had already taken place in recent days, with its ships repeatedly monitored from the air.

Meanwhile, Tunisian authorities have detained a foreign national accused of attacking one of the flotilla’s vessels at Sidi Bou Said port near Tunis. Local media reported that the suspect is under investigation by the National Unit for the Investigation of Terrorist Crimes and Crimes Against National Security. Tunisia’s Interior Ministry has described the assault as a “premeditated attack.” A day earlier, the flotilla said on social media that one of its ships had been struck by a drone while docked in Tunisian waters.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising around 50 ships, set sail earlier this month with the declared aim of breaking Israel’s blockade and delivering humanitarian aid, particularly medical supplies, to Gaza.

In response to recent attacks, Spain has deployed a naval warship from Cartagena to provide protection for the flotilla. Italy has taken similar steps, sending a frigate to safeguard its nationals participating in the mission. The flotilla also includes vessels from Greece, Tunisia and other countries.

The developments come as a recent UN investigation concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, where more than 65,000 people have been killed since October 2023.

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